With four returning pitchers and six returning infielders and outfielders, the prospects for Woodbridge’s baseball team look promising.

Woodbridge, was 7-19 overall last year and 5-10 (fifth place) in the Pacific Coast League.

But Coach Tim Murray believes the Warriors have a chance to make some noise this year.

“Our goals this year are to win league,” said Murray, now in his seventh year. “Our kids believe they can and we, as coaches, are behind our kids and that’s our goal. We’ve had years where we’ve just tried to make the playoffs. This year, we’re going to go after a league championship.

“We know there is a lot of competition. This is a very good league this year and there are a lot of good teams. We think we have the guys who can compete.”

Woodbridge’s strength looks to be the pitching staff.

“The last time I had a staff like this, we went pretty far,” Murray said. “I expect this pitching staff to carry us again this year.”

The Warriors have three returning senior starters, including Connor Rogers, who was 2-3 with a 3.84 ERA in 31 innings and six starts before being sidelined with an injury.

Also back is A.J. Drake, who was solid in 20 innings and five starts, senior John Stevens, who pitched 17 2/3 innings and had a 4.75 ERA and senior Jack Elliott, who is coming off a successful season with the basketball team.

The other returning players include senior second baseman Chad Jacob, who was first team all-league after hitting .393 with eight doubles and 11 RBIs and senior Kai Abe. Abe will play right field and pitch.

Abe, who had a home run in Tuesday’s victory over Savanna, was 2-3 with a 2.92 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings.

Among the other players are Mater Dei transfer Jack Martine, a sophomore, who will provide some power to the offense, Murray said.

“Everyone is healthy this year and I expect big things from this group,” Murray said. “They learned a lot from last year. They learned how to deal with adversity.”

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